Patty's Blog
May 25, 2010-
How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.
He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.
Psalms 1:1-3
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This past weekend a gathering of ladies from our women's Bible study got together for a mini-retreat. The purpose was to reward their faithfulness. They have all been working extremely hard and pressing through some hard-core spiritual issues like: Personal Transformation and Obedience. Anyway...we wanted to offer them A Sacred Gift of Time. A "time" to retreat from the complexities of their earthly lives and responsibilities and come away...disengage...sit quietly at Jesus' feet and...well, enjoy Him. They did. And the Lord showed up in all His glory. Truly it was amazing, an awe-inspiring reminder that God is still God! and ready and willing to work miracles in our lives if we let Him.
After everyone came back from spending time alone with God we all sat down and discussed what Jesus had done in our lives. For some it was a reunion between them and their Savior. For others it was a time of falling into Jesus' arms and resting in Him...being comforted by Him. Still others received reproof and correction. The point of the whole story is simple, really. When we give Jesus a chance He does the most incredible things.
Focus in on this truth- Jesus wants the best for each and everyone of His children, including you. And He uses various means and methods to provide us with His best. In our case the Lord provided us with a time...and aplace to spend unhurried, quality time with Him. He did that for us. The part the ladies had to play was- they had to accept Jesus' invitation and attend.
I wonder sometimes how often Jesus extends His blessings and offerings of abundance to us and we don't see them...or we ignore them...or refuse to receive from Him what He has so generously placed at our disposal.
This week think soberly about how desperately Jesus wants the best for you...and...that He will help you find His best. He will lead...all you have to do is follow HIm.
Until next week, Love and Blessings from your sister, Patty Clark
May 18, 2010-
Learn something new...
Improve yourself...
with God's help...be all you can be!
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This idea, thought, maxim, whatever you want to call it, has been ping-ponging around in my mind for quite some time. I guess it was birthed in the class a group of ladies and I enjoyed last winter. The class was all about personal Transformation. The study really opened my eyes to all sorts of amazing things, Important Things! That God knew each and everyone of us before time began. Can you imagine? That God had a planned about who and what we would be as individuals right from the start. That the Almighty God of the Universe wants the best for you and for me, including personal wholeness, satisfaction, and fulfillment. What it comes down to then is, not so much about you and me and self-improvement, as it is about drawing nearer and nearer to our Creator and finding out who we are abd wgat He wants to do in, with and through us. All of this matters to God. Our lives lived out before God has eternal significance. Have you ever thought about that before?
Given the social climate we live in in the twenty first century it's oh so easy to get caught up in and carried away by all the hype that is stirring around in the world. What I mean by that is...well, the standard that the secular world goes by...what they deem as important as compared to what Jesus wants for our lives. You see what I mean? That is why it is so important for you and I to pursue the person of God...cultivate intimacy with Him...sit at Jesus' feet and learn from HIm...be in His Word...develope the fine spiritual art of listening-prayer, so we recognize and are able to obey God's voice.
You see what it really comes down to is...the greatest challenge we face as children of God is to live up to His expectations, not the world's or our own. Your life...my life...being the Christians that we are...should be all about learning who we are by God's deliberate design and allowing His Spirit to transform us into the people He intended each of us to be.
Now...I'm not saying all of that is easy. Bottom-line is- It's not! But think of it as the adventure of a lifetime...a privilege...an opportunity to recognize your true identity in light of God's eternal plan and, via His grace, becoming everything He intended you to be...for His pleasure and glory of course. Doesn't that sound wonderful?
I thought you might like to read a few passages that may help you understand all of this a little better. Enjoy!
- Jeremiah 1:5
- Psalm 139:4-5
- Psalm 25:4-5
-Philippians 1:6
- Luke 1:37
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May the Lord bless you with a genuine desire to accept, embrace, and celebrate the made-in-the-image-of-God incredible and valuable person that you are.
Love in Christ, Patty
P.S. And by the way...we would love to hear from you. Contact us at living_ministries@yahoo.com
May 11, 2010
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit,
but in humility consider othes better than yourselves.
Each of you should look not only to your own interests,
but also to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:3-4
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I am constantly reminded of how exaggerated our opinion of "self" tends to be. Part of that stems, I think at least, from living in a culture that promotes an "I'm okay, you're okay" philosophy. To some degree I have to admit that is true...the Bible, after all, does say that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made, but...there is a fine line between having a healthy opinion of ourselves and self-idolatry. Somewhere along the line we have to recognize and understand that it's pretty easy to step over that line. That's pretty much what the Lord is talking about here in Philippians.
It's no surprise to anyone that we live in an "I"-oriented society and age. It is this "I"-orientation that can be accurately labeled as the plague of the twenty-first century. It not only disables but it paralyzes and destroys our world. So in order to combat and, ultimately, by the power of God, defeat this disease that is infected so many and all but destroyed our personal relationships, marriages, families, churches, communities, etc....we have to obey God and think more about others than we do ourselves. God's solution to the complexities of our modern day dilemmas are so simple. And...they work!
Obey God. Do what God tells us to do. Its called obedience. Instead of thinking that we are better than everyone else...to intentionally humble ourselves and admit that we're not. Instead of thinking that our ideas are the best ideas...listen, pay attention to others input, open ourselves up, expand our horizongs and learn from everyone else. Instead of demanding to have our own way all the time...to see others through Jesus' eyes and see how sweet and precious and beautiful and talented and able others are. But most importantly...to care about what is going on in other people's lives. To listen and hear what they have to say. To have compassion for what they are going through. To invest our lives in praying for others...give our lives away to others...for God's purposes and glory. Can you imagine...
Would the world change if we all adopted this philosohpy and obeyed God?Absolutely! Would our personal lives be blessed by taking our eyes off self for a while and caring for someone else?Absolutely! But most important...above all else...if we did what God told us to do...our humility and obedience would bring pleasure and glory to God. And...that's exactly what life is for.
Seek to obey and please your Savior. Think more highly of others than you do self. And I think you will be amazed...you will most definitely have a far better day.
Until next week...
Love in Christ, Patty
April 27, 2010
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
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You are a very important and valuable person. You may not always "feel" all that valuable. You may find yourself not measuring up to the world's value system and standard. But you are precious in the Lord's sight.
As a person who struggled with my own self-esteem issues for at least seventy five percent of my life, I was relieved to learn that Jesus, the One who had created me just as I am for a reason, loves me unconditionally. Wow! Oh, that doesn't mean I am perfect. Far from it. As a matter of fact, in quite a few areas, I'm an unholy mess. But still...God loves me and looks at me, and you, through the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. He knows our short-comings, certainly, but focuses on what we will become with His help. And He knows even better than we do, our full potential.
Here's what I want you to zero in on today- According to scripture, you are fearfully and wonderfully hand-made by God (Psalm 139:14-15). And so...in the fullness of His time the Lord formed you in your mother's womb...and built into you certain strengths, talents, and abilities...equipping you for a specific job He ordained you to perform. And you can do it!
We can get pretty beat up by life. Criticism is an art form in the world in which we now live. But...draw nearer and nearer to Jesus so that, by His grace, you can see yourself through His eyes.
You are loved!
You are valuable!
You matter to God...
and have great things to offer others...
and the whole of this world.
Accept, embrace, and walk in the reality of these eternal realities.
Blessings, Patty Clark
April 20, 2010
Scripture Reference: I Corinthians 15:58, "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let noting move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." Alleluia! Amen.
Life is good! That is not a statement that you hear very often these days, nevertheless it is true. Amidst the turmoil and chaos that is our lives today in the twenty-first century...with all the responsibilities we face on a daily basis...the pressure...tension...noise...underneath, often hidden from plain view by the enemy, there is gift of life that God has given us. And this gift...it is good. Very good.
James 1:17 states that "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lightrs, who does not change like shifting shadows." So what's my point? The gift of life God gave us is "good" because God gave it, and everything He gives is "good."
Maybe somewhere along the line we forgot that fact, or perhaps we just lost sight of the timelessness of this reality, but don't you think it's time, high time as a matter of fact, that we take the gift we've been given and do something magnificent with it? For God's glory of course. What I mean by all of this is- Instead of succumbing to our less than perfect earthly circumstance...instead of being influenced and controlled by what the world throws in our path...why don't we rise up in the power of God and make a deliberate and conscious decision to rejoice in life and be glad that we're alive?
Listen to what the psalmist wrote,
"Honor his holy name with Hallelujahs,
you who seek God.
Live happy lives."
Psalm 105:3
It's pretty obvious that we havae a choice about how we live our lives. Sure life can be a challenge. It's always been that way. It always will be that way. But we can choose joy over sorrow, optimism over pessimism, and, thus, claim the victory that is already ours in Christ.
I Thessalonians 1:3 states clearly that our hope is in the Lord Jesus Christ. Rejoicing in life is not merely and only about the power of positive thinking. It is all about trusting in the Lord with all our hearts and relying on His grace, which is sufficient and allowing the Holy Spirit to influence our hearts...abiding in Jesus so that our joy will be full, no matter what's going on down here on earth.
And there's another thing. Have you ever considered this- We can escape all the negativity and pessimism that prevails in our culture today by focusing on others and giving our lives away. That's what the apostle Paul is referring to in I Corinthians 15:58 when he says,
"Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let noting move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
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Whatever we do, whether it is smiling at someone on the street...giving a genuine compliment...opening a door for someone in a store...being an encouragement...being proactive and doing something nice for someone else instead of waiting for them to do something nice for us. What we do matters. What you do matters, a lot!
Read and meditate on: Psalm 105: 3, I Corinthians 15:58 and James 1:17 this week. Pray these verses through. Wait and listen for God. Be expectant, because He has something important He wants to say to You!
Life is good! Alleluia, Amen and Amen. Don't forget that.
Love in Christ, Patty Clark.
April 13, 2010
Wow, I just came out of one of the most stimulating and exhausting women's Bible studies I have ever participated in. We are studying the subject of Obedience right now. You might say, "Ugh," but really it has been extraordinary. When Jesus prompted me to create and present this study I wasn't sure anyone would come, but I obeyed and...these women...Amazing! Everyone of them faithful...diligent in their studies...yielding and cooperating with the Holy Spirit...eager to learn and grow and...do whatever it takes to become the women of faith their Savior needs them to be. We are being carried along by a wave of the Spirit rising up amongst us. Alleluia! What a glorious and life-changing experience it is.
Now here's the thing though...last week, up at my little prayer cabin, the Holy Spirit reminded me of one all important thing: We are responsible for and in control of one thing...OURSELVES! So what does that have to do with anything?
Well, consider Luke 6:41 (NASB) which says, "Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? " When it comes to you and I having a walk worthy of Christ...it comes down to each of us seeking, obeying, and letting Him have His way in us. I can't do that for you. You can't do that for me. It is a personal thing. So...knowing "me" the way I do...there are so many things wrong with me...so many "issues" that Jesus needs to deal with..that I certainly don't have any time and/or inclination to look critically into your life, judge and point out to you what's wrong with you and what you need to do to clearn up your act, etc. You get the idea.
And then there's James 4:11, Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it.
Here's a novel idea. Why don't we just love one another? Why don't we not speak ill of each other. Let's agree not to judge but, instead, what if we humble ourselves before the throne of our Savior and ask Him to do whatever it takes to "fix" us and focus our attention and time and energy becoming the best men and women we can be? What do you think?
And here's the exciting bit- Jesus has placed His resurrection power at our disposal. That means we can do it. So...let's agree to open our hearts to the diversity of humanity as a gift...you being you...me being me...and seeing and understanding that the "differentness" between us...is part of God's deliberate plan to make His kingdom whole.
1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
3 For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.
4 For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function,
5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
Romans 12:1-5 (NASB)
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And the promise and blessing in all of this is:
6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:6 (NASB)
Until next week...remember that you are fearfully and wonderfully hand-made by God....but...there is always room for improvement.
Love in Christ, Patty Clark
April 6, 2010
Greetings! Here we are together again, and I have something interesting I would like to share with you.
This past week while taking a road trip with my husband, I read through the Book of James. The Holy Spirit highlighted James 3:2 for me, which says, "We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check."
The reason why all of this is so important is- It brought to mind this old adage- If you don't have anything to say, don't say anything at all. I like that...a lot!
Now in this day and age when we think we have the right to say anything we want...when we think we have to put our two cents worth into every conversation...make "our" opinions known...it's difficult to wrap our minds around that there is another way to live life. But there is. And Jesus is a lot wiser than we are. He knows that saying nothing is sometimes much more appropriate and far better than saying anything at all.
Hopefully all of this will make us think a little differently than we ever have before. And...perhaps...it will make us examine what we say and how and what we use our tongues for. I suppose you could say...a good censoring device would be to ask ourselves whether or not what we are about to say would please and/or glorify Jesus or not.
But there is something else. We are all sons and daughters of the King, members of the Royal Family. People out there in the secular world are in the habit of criticizing, judging, and verbally beating one another up. They think nothing of it. But you and me...we are called by Jesus to live by a different standard. Our goal is to build up, affirm, and encourage. How sweet life would be if we only spoke words of love and affirmation to one other...speaking psalms and hymns and spiritual blessings into people's lives instead of following in the footsteps in the world.
I learned a valuable lesson a few weeks ago from the receptionist in our church office. Next to her phone she has a 3 x 3" sticky note. On it she wrote: Listen. Wait, Respond. Now that may not seem all that profound but...it opened my eyes to a powerful truth. Listening is all important. Waiting is absolutely necessary in order to bring some grace-based control over my tongue. And then I must Respond, not in the flesh but, rather, in the Spirit. That way I'm sure to speak words of love, peace, light and hope. All of these, then, will bless people instead of darkness, discouragement and despair.
All I ask you to do this week is to think about these things. Then pray. Ask Jesus how He wants you to apply these truths into your own life. Then do what He tells you to do. You may be surprised how Jesus uses all of this to bless your life.
May blessings of God's peace and divine power be at work in your life. Until next week...
Love in Christ, Patty Clark
March 30, 2010
Today we are going to talk about the unfortunate fact that life can be confusing. Of course I'm not telling you anything you don't all ready know. With all that goes on in this world...all the information that rushes into our lives uninvited, it is easy to get distracted, framented in our thinking, waylaid...and confused. Life in the twenty first century is complex. Let me give you an example of what I mean.
I was in the grocery store a few weeks ago and I turned down an isle and at the other end I saw the lovliest older lady standing and staring at the shelves. The troubling thing was...she was obviously dazed...confused...overwhelmed. I didn't want to stare so I tried go about my own business but couldn't. She just stood there. Finally I thought that maybe she needed some help, so I walked up to her and asked if I could help her find something. She turn...and, with the most beautiful blue and clear eyes, she said, "There used to be only cornflakes." And she turned and walked away without getting any cereal at all.
My point? Well, I know that picking out what cereal to buy isn't exactly a do or die situation. Granted! But it so accurately represents the complex times in which we live. Options. Alternatives. Choices. It can all be a bit overwelming. Now multiply the complexities of choosing a cereal by the hundreds of decisions we have to make on any given day and...you see where I'm going with all of this? It can be a bit much. So...here's the thing- There is hope. Jesus! That is our hope. He certainly is not confounded by anything that is going on in our world. He is never overwhelmed. He does not get distracted and/or off track. There is nothing that He does not know. Nothing! And on top of all that...He is always with us. He has promised to never, never, no not ever leave or forsake us. And...and here's the good bit, and when we're dazed and confused and we don't know what to do...or what to do...what does He have to say about that? Well, listened to what He promised in James 1:5,
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God,
who gives to all liberally and without reproach,
and it will be given to him."
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So here's the thing...what with our suffering from information overload, being faced with so many alternatives that end up adding more confusion to life and threaten to overtake and dominate our lives...you and I, as children of The Most High God, can live peaceful, purposeful, and simple lives. We can. We have a Friend and Constant Companion and Wise Counselor who is willing and able to clear the path and light the way for us to focus on the things of heaven and, therefore, live a better life. But...the question is...will we continue to conform to the ways of the world...focus on what is happening down here on earth...and stay stuck? Or will we turn to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith and follow Him into a better life?
Obviously I can't answer these questions for you, and vice versa. What is important is that we ask ourselves these questions and prayerfully...intentionally come to a God-honoring conclusion. . There is a life that is orderly, peaceful and simple waiting for us all. Alleluia!
Follow Him!
Suggested Reading and food for thought:
James 1:5
Mark 8:34
Philippians 4:8
Shalom, Peace and power of our Lord Jesus Christ be upon you. P.C.
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March 23, 2010
Hi There,
Last week, after our ladies Bible study, a friend and I were sitting and visiting. We were sharing...doing life together...talking about what an awe-inspring difference knowing Jesus makes in a life....discussing the difference between what it was like enduring hardships before we met Jesus...and the way we are able to find peace in the midst of trials and thrive in spite of them now. Amazing!
We agreed that the key, of course, is to focus on Jesus instead of on the circumstances of life. Oh I know...that is sometimes easier said than done. The point is though...accepting what comes into our life as being "of Him." Bottom line is- Jesus either sends or allows things to come into our lives, including challenges and trials, and intends to work them together for our ultimate good.
For me...often...its a matter of believing. What I mean by that is...when I'm faced with a trial...test...call it what you will, I must make an intentional effort to "believe" in Jesus. "Believe" that what He says about Himself is true. "Believe" that what He promises will come true, if I yield and cooperate with the work Jesus is trying to accomplish in me.
In the end my friend and I settled into this wonderful and encouraging reality...and my prayer for you today is: May Jesus hold onto you tightly...and consciously try to enjoy life!
Bible Reading: Read and meditate on these two references. Pray them through...reason with Jesus' Spirit and be encouraged...Isaiah 40:31, Isaiah 41:10.
And to God be the glory...
Love in Christ, Patty
March 16, 2010
Grow! Bloom! Become!
I've been thinking a lot about our becoming. We've been studying the subject of being transformed by the power of God. It is so encouraging to know that we are not stuck where we are and that, by the power of the Holy Spirit working in us, there is hope of our being anything and everything Jesus intended us to be.
Sometimes we get so overwhelmed at all that does need to be changed in us that we forget that we belong to Jesus and that He is at work in our lives. Also...and perhaps most importantly...He promised that the work in us that He started He will complete (Philippians 1:6). Add to all of this the reality that the resurrection power is alive and well and working in us and you have the makings of a real life success story. Our lives, because of Jesus, will become what He wants and needs them to be as long as we Deny self, pick up our cross, and follow Him (Mark 8:34).
I have had the privilege the last few months to watch a group of my sisters in the faith take to heart the challenge of becoming. They have bathed their minds and hearts in God's truth. They have welcomed Jesus' intervention in their lives. They have wept, been encouraged, yielded and cooperated and it is absolutely awe-inspiring to see the miraculous work the Holy Spirit is doing in their lives. Alleluia, what a Savior.
I suppose the great bit of good news I've personally appropriated from this experience is that, No! Jesus is not finished with me. No, there is all sorts of improvements that, yet, need to be made. And no, I am absolutely not perfect, nor will I ever be. Now...instead of looking and seeing all of this as a negative and overwhelming thing...I choose to see it as a wonderful adventure. Jesus cares enough about me...you...and everyone of His children...that He personally gets involved and continues to work miracles in our lives in order to grow us up into our full potential. AWESOME! There is hope for us to live up to our full potential, not because of who and what we are but because of Jesus. Glory alleluia, Amen.
Oh...read and meditate on Jeremiah 1:5 and Psalm 139:14-17.
May the Lord of all things good and perfect bless you abundantly. Abide in His presence...walk in His grace.
Love in Christ, Patty
March 9, 2010
I've been thinking...there's a lot to worry about today, but we're told not to. In fact In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul gives these instruction:
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
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Our Lord doesn't want us to worry...about Anything. Now I know that's a tall order. Worrying seems to come so naturally to us. Often life seems like a tangle...a web of confusion, and problems that overtake us before we are aware that we are being overtaken.
Let me share a little insight. I come from a long line of worriers. I grew up in an anxiety ridden environment. Worrying was what I learned...what formed me. It wasn't until I met Jesus back in 1979 and started to study His Word that I learned there was an alternate to worrying...a different and, in fact, better more peaceful way to live.
Now I'm not going to say that learning to not worry came easy. No, it didn't happen overnight. I'd be a fool to say it did. Laying it all down at Jesus' feet...intentionally and consciously putting our trust in Him is a learned phenomenon, but it is "doable" as they say.
Think about what you worry about. Practice the practical and divinely powerful steps Paul gives us in Philippians 4:6-7. Jesus says He has left us His peace. It is there for us to appropriate. By His death He delivered us from our former selves and by the power of His Holy Spirit working in us we can learn a new behavior. His truth will reform the way we think. Picking up and putting on our mantel of peace will lead us into a new life.
Shalom, Patty Clark
See you next week.
Prayer:
Oh Lord, let me see life, others, and myself through Your eyes...
The good news is Jesus will do that very thing.
We are so feeble...finite...human. It is hard, if not impossible for us to see things the way they really are. That is why we need to abide in Jesus. When we are bound to Him things look different. Just by walking closely with Him...the veil is lifted and we are able to perceive as He perceives... thus feel the way He feels. Most importantly self-sins become more evident. Poor attitudes are exposed. Worldly motives that stand in the way of our purity...selflishness turns to selflessness, and we are better able to be ambassadors and witness of God.
The absolutely amazing thing is...the scriptures tell us that Jesus healed the sick and gave sight to the blind. In Malachi 3 our Lord states infatically, "I am the Lord, I do not change." Alleluia! That means that Jesus can still heal us and help us and enable us to see ourselves and others and life in general through His eyes and from His lofty point of view. There is hope. And it just stands to reason that the more we seek Jesus...and the more we learn about Jesus...and the more we listen to Jesus... and the closer we walk to Jesus...well, we then decrease, and He increases. His Spirit takes over: mind, body, and soul. That's a good thing!
So...this week dwell on these things. Remember that the Bible clearly states that the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked. But there is healing and wholeness to be found in the Lord.
Scripture Reading:
Matthew15:14, Malachi 3:6-10, Jeremiah 17:9
May the Lord bless your life.
Love in Christ, Patty Clark
